Instagram Considers Reels as the New Home Tab

Instagram is experimenting with a notable update: shifting the main interface to showcase Reels initially. This trial run, happening exclusively in India, invites users to opt-in to experience Reels as the primary section of the app, following the direct messages tab. Adam Mosseri, who heads Instagram, highlights that the platform's expansion owes much to Reels and direct messages, sparking interest in potentially redefining the app's layout.

Mosseri provided a video depiction of the proposed home screen design. Users will find a lineup of Stories across the top—a familiar sight—but scrolling down morphs the view into an expansive Reels display, effectively turning the page into a video-centric feed. Photos from followed accounts remain within this new arrangement, though their presentation wasn't captured in the demo.

Insights from the iPad App

The transition is not unprecedented for Instagram. Its relatively new iPad app mirrors this change by launching directly into Reels from the home screen. According to Meta, this approach caters to how people typically use larger displays, aiming for relaxed consumption of content. This test signals Instagram's contemplation of integrating Reels more significantly into its primary mobile experience as well.